Promoting recycling

In order to reduce the amount of materials entering the waste stream the Centre considers the environmental impact of the products purchased, comes up with alternate uses for products when they are becoming worn-out, and has developed an extensive recycling program.

The recycling depot

A comprehensive recycling program has been put in place at the Centre. An on-site collection depot has been developed for use by the Centre and the community. The depot accepts office paper, magazines, newspaper, cardboard, glass, and metal.

Housekeeping

• The Centre’s Housekeeping and Custodial departments have established a comprehensive recycling system that allows them to maintain over 400 guest rooms with minimal waste.
• When sheets, towels, and other linens are worn-out they are put to use as rags within Housekeeping or in the Centre’s paint and print shops.
• Bottles from all soaps, lotions, and bath products are sent back to the original supplier. Housekeeping receives a rebate and the returned bottles are recycled.
• All paper, newspaper, magazines, and packaging from guest rooms is separated and recycled at the Centre’s recycling depot.
• Housekeeping staff are trained to check the grades of plastic waste and separate materials for recycling.

Grounds maintenance

• All gravel and sand used for winter ice control is recycled.
• Recycled asphalt has been used on temporary paths around campus and recycled tires have been used for roof walkways on the Eric Harvie Theatre and Margaret Greenham Theatre.
• The Grounds department introduced wooden deer as trail closure signage on any Centre pathways that are not maintained during the winter. The deer were made from trees felled during the Wildfire Fuel Reduction Program.

Credit goes to Roger Leslie, Cody Raspberry, Dave Perkins, and Kim Barrett of the Grounds department for their resourceful work. Photo by Mark Fuller.

Furnishing and fixtures

The Centre donates fixtures and furnishings from renovation projects to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store to be re-used. Metal from furnishings that can’t be re-used is recycled.

Food & Beverage

All packaging that comes into the Food & Beverage department is separated and recycled, including paper, plastic, cardboard, and metals. Cooking grease is saved and picked-up for recycling.